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Services: CD Mastering - Analog tape layback

What is OneTwo Layback?

If a project is recorded entirely in the digital domain, "warming-up" or "adding that fat tape sound" are commonly requested at the mastering stage.
As a result, running final mixes through analog tape ("laying back to tape", "layback", or "layback mastering") has become a popular option using 1/2" and 1/4" 2-track tape machines.
Given the right machine & approach, this technique can deliver stunning results.

Benefits:  Tape Saturation

In analog systems, a hotter signal creates a larger waveform (think of a vertical waveform moving along a horizontal timeline) and requires more "space" to be represented.
Therefore, when a signal is pushed beyond 0dB into an analog system (e.g. tape machine), the waveform is compressed by the tape's physical properties. Peaks are rounded rather than clipped, which translates as a warm, fat sound as the harmonic series is excited. It is a modified signal from the original which the human ear finds very pleasing. Furthermore, a hotter input signal (over 0dB) will result in a more exaggerated effect.

Benefits:  Choice of tape

Which tape formula is chosen, along with level calibration, will also affect the result of saturation effects. High output tape (e.g. GP9) may sound "cleaner" at higher input levels, whereas other tape formulas (e.g. 456, 468, etc...) showcase more effect at the same input level. Therefore, when choosing layback processing as an option it is important also to consider the mastering goals, genre of music, and production techniques used in the mix to assist in choosing a tape forumla.

Benefits:  Equalization

Just as other equalization tools within the mastering arsenal, the electronics of the tape machine itself can be used as another equalization stage during mastering to assist in reaching the
mastering goals of the project and add color to the layback
processing approach.

All That And More: The ATR Service Co. "OneTwo" with Aria electronics

Now, given the benefits of layback processing as mentioned above, what if you could double the sonic benefits gained by using layback processing?

Enter the 1" 2-track ATR-102 as created by ATR Service Co, also known as the "OneTwo".

With a tape width twice that of a 1/2" 2-track, a 1" 2-track machine achieves the following over traditional 1/2" systems:

Increased transient punch

Decreased noise floor

Enhanced sonic detail

Mike Wells Mastering offers the ability to perform layback processing during mastering using the ATR OneTwo.
Featuring extended frequency response mastering heads, Mike Wells Mastering goes one step further to present the ultimate layback processing machine, the addition of Aria Record/Playback tape electronics.

Created by David Hill of Cranesong LTD, the Aria discreet Class A electronics offer the following benefits over stock Ampex electronics:

True Class A circuitry with no IC's

Transformerless operation

High-current amplifiers

These design extensions translate into more available headroom, enhanced transient response, and extended bandwidth.

Combine the benefits of a 1" tape path and the Aria electonics, and you have a recipe for ultimate success for your layback processing goals.

You will find there is no substitute for the 1" tape path of the ATR OneTwo combined with Aria electronics:
The proof is in the design.

Real Tape. Accept no substitutes.

Additional Resources:

ATR Services

Aria Electronics

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